Two remarkable Bundaberg-raised athletes, Rheed McCracken and Samantha Schimdt, are set to represent the nation on the world stage as Paralympics Australia announced its Paris 2024 track and field team.
On Tuesday Paralympics Australia announced Rheed and Samantha would join the track and field team of 24 athletes to head to Paris.
The sports champions have demonstrated their commitment and skill over many years and are now poised to further their aspirations at the Paris 2024 Paralympics with the Bundaberg community cheering them on with pride.
They will join Bundaberg sports stars Isaac Cooper, Shannan Davey, Rebecca Greiner and Taryn Gollshewsky who were announced earlier this month to compete at the Paris 2024 Olympics.
Rheed McCracken – T34 100m, 800m
It’s an incredible milestone for Rheed as he returns to chase the podium representing Australia as a four-time Paralympian in Paris 2024.
Sharing the news on his official Facebook page Rheed said it was a privilege to represent Australia again.
Photo: Facebook
“If someone had told this young kid back in 2010 that in two years’ time he’d make an Australian Paralympic team, he would have laughed and said maybe one day,” Rheed said.
“Fast forward 14 years and tell him he’s a four-time Australian Paralympian?
“He’d tell you – you’re dreaming.
“Honoured to announce I’ve been selected to represent this great country for my 4th Paralympic Games in Paris next month.
“What a journey it’s been, but this boy from Bundy is ready to go!
“Thank you to everyone who’s been in my corner, I can’t wait to make you all proud in Paris.”
Read more about Rheed’s Paralympic history here
Samantha Schmidt – F38 discus throw
Donning the green and gold has always been a goal of Samantha, since first watching the Paralympic Games as a child.
She was introduced to athletics at the age of five, progressing from West Bundaberg Little Athletics to Bundaberg Athletic Club, and Jimboomba Athletic club.
Before her Paralympic debut at Tokyo 2020, Samantha shared her dream saying her life revolved around her passion for sport.
Photo: file
“When I was younger my dream was to go to the Olympics, but I had a lot of people saying, ‘you won’t make it’ or ‘you won’t be able to go because of your disability’,” Samantha said.
“What they call a disability, I call it a challenge – because it is a challenge – it’s not something that everyone out there can go through.
“I think of it this way, you do something and if you can’t do it because of your disability then it’s a challenge, I have had many challenges in my life, but I have overcome them.”
At Tokyo 2020, Samantha finished 6th in the Discus throw F38 with a throw of 30.26m.
Read more about Samantha’s Paralympic dream here.
